More Fingers and a Great Lake

We woke today knowing the ride was to be significantly shorter than the last couple. We were supposed to only do 77 miles. Of course, we had to add a little adventure once we got into town to stretch that out, but it was all good. The sun was out all day. We never got overly hot. There was plenty of shade along the roads. The roads were smooth. It was pretty close to a perfect day. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t hilly. Look at the photo at the bottom of the page of bikes heading up and up and up.

We slipped away from Seneca Falls and passed by two more of the Finger Lakes, Lake Owasco and Lake Skaneateles. In case you are wondering, the locals pronounce the last one Skinny-atlas. one of the hallmarks of all the lakes we’ve seen in the region are the beautiful houses around them. Around Skaneateles the homes were mansions. There’s big money to be had from the lakeside property here.

In Memphis we had a first. We came to a railroad crossing which actually had a train! We watched 100 cars go by. Almost all of them were flat cars with semi trailers on top. Many of the trailers were UPS vehicles! I was stunned. I didn’t know the big brown used rail too.

In Baldwinsville we had picnic after a short visit to the Erie Canal lock 24. The Erie Canal has been a part of America since America began. It was cool to see one chunk of it still in operation.

After picnic the road turned north and (gasp!) west to get us to Oswego. It was generally flatter, too. As with most of the roads, it was wonderfully smooth. The highway departments in New York still seem to be getting plenty of money. We got into Oswego High (home of the Buccaneers) very early and set up our tent. Then we went into town to look about.

We found a good little bike shop and bought an alternate electrolyte drink to use instead of the Gatorade provided. It’s just too sweet to keep using. I’ll be drinking Nuun from now on. We also got directions for some sightseeing. We rode down to the Oswego riverfront, sat by the river and meditated in the shade. Then we visited Fort Ontario, site of a battle in the War of 1812. The British took over this fort after a 2 day attack, then left it the next day. There’s a message there about the meaninglessness of war if you care to look.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s 68 mile day. We’ll be going slow and spending as much time as we can before arriving at school in Watertown. Maybe we’ll even stop for a soy chai somewhere on the road. Aaahhhh. The good life.

3 Comments

Margaret Kitchell on Aug 8, 2012 at 6:26 pm

Wow- amazing that 68 miles seems a relief! It is impressive how you have gotten so far by musclepower. And I had felt fit and proud of myself when I walked up and down the steep sides of Capitol Hill doorbelling for Inslee and Cantwell on Tuesday. Hope you enjoy this part of your trip!

Gracie on Aug 9, 2012 at 10:20 am

“The roads are smooth. The highway departments in New York still seem to be getting plenty of money.”

Glad the roads are good, they’re killing us with taxes! And don’t forget about that NY state income tax, either!

It is very pretty, though. Perfect bike country! xo

Spencer on Aug 8, 2013 at 9:43 am

August 2013 – The high school was hosting a large marching band practice while we were there. The kids were drilling and drumming until the wee hours of the night. We camped under some trees in the parking lot and experienced lots of late night laughter, cars revving, and “headlight lightning” after we went to bed.